The University of New Hampshire Extension outlined on March 31 the phenomenon known as “Big Night,” when amphibians migrate to vernal pools for breeding during spring. The organization explained that this migration typically occurs on warm, rainy nights with temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and thawed ground, often taking place over several nights in March, April, or May.
This event is significant because amphibians such as spotted salamanders, wood frogs, and spring peepers are important members of local ecosystems. They serve as indicators of ecosystem health and play roles both as predators of invertebrates and as prey for animals like hawks and foxes. The Extension also noted that some spotted salamanders can live up to 30 years in the wild.
Amphibians face risks during migration, particularly from busy roads where they may be struck by vehicles. To address these challenges, tunnels and culverts have been designed to help them cross safely. Community science groups play a role by assisting amphibians across roads during these migrations. Volunteers collect data and encourage safer driving practices after sunset during peak migration periods.
Several organizations coordinate crossing brigades throughout New Hampshire. The Harris Center for Conservation Education manages efforts in towns such as Henniker and Keene; Tin Mountain Conservation Center organizes crossings in Albany; Green Mountain Conservation Group works in the Chocorua Lake Basin; Hartford Salamander Team coordinates sites in the Upper Valley; while Squam Lakes Association partners with other groups around Squam Lakes.
University of New Hampshire Extension functions as the outreach component of the University of New Hampshire, delivering educational initiatives through county offices and specialized facilities like a geospatial training center and soil testing lab according to its official website. It partners with county, state, and federal entities for programming according to its official website, engages about 6,000 volunteers annually across 14 programs according to its official website, promotes social well-being by supporting healthy communities according to its official website, aims to enhance communities through hands-on learning strategies according to its official website, maintains a presence statewide addressing issues from youth education to environmental stewardship according to its official website, and employs staff such as Amy Loader who began working there in 2001 as an agriculture educator according to its official website.
The broader impact involves raising awareness about local wildlife needs while fostering community engagement through volunteerism—an approach supported by research-informed strategies aimed at benefiting people across New Hampshire.
